Changing Kicking Pattern: Effects of Focus of Attention and a Constraints Approach

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of instruction and scaling up on a constraint (velocity of kick) on changes in kicking pattern. Twelve adult female novice kickers (ages 18-22 years) were randomly placed into one of four practice conditions: (a) control group with no instruction, (b) scale up on a constraint with no instruction, (c) instruction with internal focus on position of limb segments, and (d) instruction with external focus on goal of movement. Participants in each condition were required to practice kicking with the dominant leg twice per week for 2 weeks (4 sessions). Practice consisted of 12 kicks per session. Participants in the constraint condition and instruction conditions were reminded to increase velocity or focus on instruction every four trials. A Condition X Session MANOVA for motor pattern change indicated no significant qualitative differences in motor pattern. Significant absolute main effects for shank lag by condition and thigh lag by session along with a significant interaction did not indicate differences in motor pattern. It was concluded that there were no qualitative differences (pattern changes) in kicking pattern across conditions.